Women Leaders and Obamacare Added to AHC’s Issues Forum

The theme for the American Horse Council’s (AHC) National Issues Forum is “A Healthy Horse, A Healthy Industry.” This year’s forum will be held on June 18 in Washington, D.C. during the AHC’s annual convention, which will run from June 16 to 19 at the Washington Court Hotel.

In addition to reports on the progress of the National Equine Health Plan and the AHC’s Marketing Consortium to reinvigorate the horse industry, the forum will feature a panel on the future of the industry featuring four women who are leading national organizations this year and a presentation on how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as “Obamacare,” could affect the horse industry.

“Women have always been leaders in the horse industry," noted Jay Hickey, AHC president. “But this year we have four outstanding women leading major national organizations. We thought it would be interesting to get their perspective on the future of various sectors in the industry.”

Scheduled to speak are Johne Dobbs, president of the American Quarter Horse Association; Ann Dwyer, DVM, president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners; Cynthia Richardson, president of the Arabian Horse Association; and Chrystine Tauber, president of the United States Equestrian Federation.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was passed in March, 2010, is the most sweeping social legislation enacted since Medicare in 1965. It is expected to transform U.S. healthcare delivery and will affect members of the horse industry just like others.

“Obamacare is an issue that the industry must be preparing for on an ongoing basis,” said Hickey. “Indeed some should have already taken steps to be ready. We hope that the presentation on Obamacare will help employers in the horse community understand their obligations under the new law.”

Vanda McMurtry, an attorney with Davis & Harman in Washington, D.C. will explain what those in the industry should consider doing now and what they should be prepared to do in the future under the new requirements. McMurtry has worked in the insurance industry and represented insurance companies for many years, and he also has Washington experience.

The convention will include the AHC’s Congressional Reception, the annual Congressional Ride-In, meetings of all AHC committees, the meeting of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, and the AHC’s Breed Roundtable, which brings together leaders of the horse industry to discus common issues of importance.

The annual Congressional Ride-In will take place on June 19. The Ride-In allows members of the horse community to meet with their elected representatives and federal officials to discuss important issues affecting them. All members of the horse community are encouraged to participate, even if they don’t attend the AHC convention.

More information on these forums and the entire AHC annual meeting, including registration and hotel information, can be found on the AHC’s website or by contacting the AHC.

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